Objective: Age at adiposity rebound is the age, after age one year, at which the minimum body mass index (BMI) occurs. Early adiposity rebound has been linked with the development of obesity and diabetes mellitus in later life. We investigated whether age at adiposity rebound would predict childhood blood pressure (BP) and body composition, and if birthweight and maternal factors may influence the age at adiposity rebound. Methods: Anthropometry (including skinfold thickness) and BP were measured in a cohort of women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies. The anthropometry and BP of the offspring were measured at birth, at six weeks, three monthly to two years and then every six months.Conclusions: Early adiposity rebound predicts increased adiposity and BP in later childhood. Maternal factors (ie adiposity and BP), but not birth anthropometry, may influence the age at rebound.....read more